01 - FILIPPO BRUNELLESCHI
Santo Spirito / San Lorenzo
Florence, Italy
This analysis focuses on the dialectic of centripetal and centrifugal force. I believe the two buildings possess separate domains for the inner energy generated within, and the outer energy entering the building. In Santo Spirito, the semi-circular side chapels on the perimeter of the plan – itself being a generic form – seem to possess a centripetal force, encapsulating the external energy entering the precinct. Conversely, the central dome seems to disseminate energy serving as the centrifugal force. However, the realm of the centripetal and centrifugal force is meticulously segregated by the positioning of the columns. In San Lorenzo, the external energy enters directly into the side aisle without bypassing the side chapel, and the energy seems to be encapsulated within the vaults. Here again, the columns serve as a blockade denying the entry of the centrifugal force into the domain of the centripetal force. The critical difference between the two buildings is that the centrifugal force is disseminated towards the exterior in San Lorenzo, indicating Brunelleschi’s intention of creating another dialectic of subjective entry by the visitor as opposed to the objective entry in San Spirito.
